Stuttgart close to deal for Arsenal keeper Lehmann

Bundesliga side Stuttgart are close to agreeing a deal to take Jens Lehmann back to his homeland.

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The Germany international is set to end a five-year stay at Arsenal this summer when his contract expires and he is released as a free agent.

Club chairman Erwin Staudt admits that the Reds cannot afford to match the wages Lehmann enjoyed in England, but is confident that the veteran shot-stopper will be on his way to Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion in the near future.

"This will hopefully be made concrete in the next few days," said Staudt.

"It is not a straightforward conversation, there are options to be discussed."

The 2007 Bundesliga champions are believed to have offered Lehmann two-thirds of his current salary with the Gunners, on a one-year deal which includes the option for an extension.